In Aloha State, HELCO Files Two Rate Scenarios

On December 13 and 14, Aloha State ratepayers will have a chance to weigh in at public hearings on two scenarios proposed by Hawaii Electric Light (HELCO) that could raise typical residential electric rates by $9.31 a month in one case – or possibly provide savings in another, the Hawaii Tribune Herald reported on November 23.

In fact, because of lower power charges and other adjustments, electric rates actually already have dropped since 2015, Ignacio said in an open letter published in the September 18 issue of the Tribune-Herald. A typical residential bill for 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) on Hawaii Island was $189.62 in January 2015. By September of the same year, a typical bill was down to $172.43.

And as of September of this year, a typical residential customer paid a bill of $161.85.

Indeed, if the 6.5 percent hike were to be approved, a typical residential bill for 500 kWh on Hawaii Island would increase by $9.31 a month to $171.16.

Approved rate hikes would not go into effect until next summer at the earliest, he said.